Films by Subject Natural Science

The first section of this program gives viewers an understanding of how the domestic pig
is different from the boar. The feeding and growth rate of piglets as well as the feeding and
growth rate of adults are shown. The second section shows how domesticated dairy cows
have produced more and more milk. Adaptations in the body, selection of the best qualities
of these milk-providing adaptations are explained. The last section of this program provides
viewers with an understanding of egg-laying hens, in egg producing farms

HUMMING BIRD, BAT, RAT
The flying technique of hummingbirds is detailed in the first section of this program. The
adaptations that allow for their stationary flight include their size, skeleton, heart, wing and
muscle structure. The second section explains how bats, the only mammal that can fly, have
adaptations allowing it to sleep while hanging. Ultrasound and echolocation help bats navi-
gate and hunt for food. The Norway rat (or sewer rat) is highlighted in the third section of this
program. This nocturnal animal has poor eyesight and relies on its whiskers for navigation.
The program examines the structure of rat's teeth and demonstrates the use of lab rats in
scientific research.

BEAVER, TURTLE, TROUT
The first section of this program examines the anatomy, habitat and behavior of the beaver.
An explanation of the structure of their teeth gives students an understanding of how the
beaver handles building material in constructing a dam. The second section highlights the
wood turtle. Students will learn about the turtle's internal anatomy as well as the structure of
its shell. Predators, such as the fox, skunk and raccoon, prey on a turtle's softer structures,
like the legs. The Brook Trout, highlighted in the third section, is in the same family as the
salmon. They spawn in fresh water, and viewers can see how these fish lay eggs. Trout's
survival in the cold water is explained. Although the trout is not an endangered species, their
habitat has been moved farther and farther into the wild, because of urbanization. Dangers
to the trout include pollution, other animals and humans.

BACTERIA, VIRUS, FLEA
Parasitism is discussed in the first section of this program with a comparison of predator-
prey and parasite-host relationships. Students will get an understanding of the flea's habits,
anatomy and behavior. The structure of bacteria, single-celled organisms, is given in the sec-
ond section of this program. A comparison of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria is discussed,
as well as their harmful and beneficial functions. The last section of this program helps
viewers understand what viruses are and how they can infect a host. The influenza virus is
highlighted, providing a discussion of vaccination.

SNOW GOOSE, HERON, EGRET
The snow goose's habitat, anatomy and behavior are shown in the first section of this pro-
gram. It explains the ability of the snow goose to migrate, using its own ‘navigation system'
and details the bird's pulmonary system. The Great Blue Heron's anatomy begins the second
section of this program. To fish for its prey the heron has the ability to stand still, while its
eyes can move to search for prey. It also moves about or ‘prowls' for fish. The heron's skel-
etal structure keeps it stable. The third section of this program details the egret's behavior
and gives a comparison of the Cattle Egret's and the Snowy Egret's habitat and anatomy.
The Egret's bone structure shows the ability of this bird to fly.

ANT, LADYBUG, SPIDER
The first section of this program provides viewers a detailed look at the chemical identity of
ants. Watching ants in their colony, students see how ant pheromones directly affect their
behavior. The second section details the defense mechanisms of ladybug larvae and adult
ladybugs, including their bright coloration, flying and the bitter taste that they give off to
feeding predators. The third section highlights the predatory behavior of spiders using intri-
cate webs to trap their food.

SALAMANDER, GARTER SNAKE, FROG
The metamorphosis of the salamander is shown in the first section of this program. Differ-
ent types of salamanders are highlighted and the adaptations providing them with protec-
tion from predators. Regeneration of tails or legs that have been bitten off by predators is
detailed. The garter snake's hunting technique and adaptations for feeding are shown in the
second section. The last part of this program shows the anatomical adaptations that allow
frogs to live in a habitat near or in water.

SNAIL, LEECH, WORM
The first section of this program shows the body shape and anatomy of snails. Movement,
protection against predators and reproduction is highlighted. Leech's anatomy and feed-
ing habits provide the content for the second section. Viewers are shown leech movement
and reproduction. The last section details anatomical information on the earthworm. Color,
movement and parts of its body, including the reproductive organs, are highlighted.

HOWLER MONKEY, IGUANA, PARROT
The Howler Monkey, the subject of the first section of this program, is the largest primate of
the ‘New World' and is shown in the jungles of Costa Rica. The section shows the Howler
Monkey's anatomy, highlighting its prehensile tail and hands, and vocal tract. The second
section of this program is about the Iguana. An explanation of why ultraviolet rays are im-
portant to the growth and health of the iguana gives students an insight into the importance
of the iguana's parietal or ‘third eye'. The last section in this program is about the Amazon
Parrot. Amazon Parrots live in social groups and communicate in a variety of vocalizations.
A comparison of the vocal capabilities of humans and parrots is detailed.

SEAL, POLAR BEAR, SLOTH
By viewing the first section of this program, students will learn how the seal, a marine mam-
mal, has evolved. Adaptations of seals to water and land, including movement, body tem-
perature and body organs, are highlighted. In the second section, traits of the polar bear,
such as types of fur, body temperature and shivering give viewers an understanding of how
this animal protects itself against the cold of its habitat. The third section gives viewers infor-
mation about the sloth and how its body is adapted to its tree-hanging lifestyle and lack of
movement. Body temperature, slow metabolism, hook-like claws help the sloth survive the
weather, lack of food and predators.

ELEPHANT, BISON, GIRAFFE
The infrasound that elephants employ is explained in the first section of this program. This
unique way of communication is used by elephants to warn of predators, for mating calls
and maintaining contact with others in their family groups. Students will see elephants help
the renewal of vegetation and the promotion of diversity of species. In the second section of
this program, differences in anatomy between Wood Buffalo and Plains Bison provide view-
ers with an understanding of the largest land mammal of North America. The giraffe and the
advantages of its long neck, tongue, and grazing habits are shown in the last section. The
anatomy of the giraffe with the same number of vertebrae as humans, and the most powerful
heart of any land mammal provides viewers with insights into its physiology.

HORSE, DEER, WOLF
The first section outlines the history of horse domestication, detailing the craft of horse shoe-
ing. Behavior of wild horses living on an island in the Atlantic Ocean gives viewers insight
into how all horses once lived. The second section shows the Virginia deer, highlighting antler
growth and structure, and deer communication through pheromone secretion. The last sec-
tion is about the wolf. Wolves are considered super predators because they hunt in packs,
are fearless and can travel long distances. Complex social relationships in wolf packs are
based on dominance. The dominant male's behavior and communication within the pack are
shown as well as the structure and function of wolf's teeth.

Animal Science highlights 39 animals and one aspect of each of their habits, behavior or physical attributes. With short clips, students are given a wealth of details about these features using close-up live-action video as well as computer-generated imagery. Informative narration adds to the photography, giving students additional details, vocabulary and understanding of each animal. The series allows teachers flexibility in how to use the content. Each DVD has animals featured that have something in common, allowing teachers to choose the content they want to show.

Coral reefs are incredibly bio-diverse areas formed in nutrient-poorwater. Over millions of years the cumulative work of tiny coral polypshas built vast formations that support coral, plants and otherspecies.

Plastic floats. The World’s biggest plastic dumps are at sea. Millions of tons enter the ocean every year, pouring out from rivers and shores, ships and platforms. The world’s scientists have studied the phenomenon with alarming results.

There will be a very large-scale super volcanic eruption from Yellowstone National Park. The question is not if it will happen, but when.For over a century, tens of millions of visitors have marveled at the natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park, home to the largest concentration of geysers in the world, including the iconic Old Faithful. However, beneath all this beauty lurks a beast.